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  • Over P. J. Clarke's Bar

  • Tales from New York City's Famous Saloon
  • By: Helen Marie Clark
  • Narrated by: Anne Brendle
  • Length: 3 hrs and 18 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)
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Over P. J. Clarke's Bar cover art

Over P. J. Clarke's Bar

By: Helen Marie Clark
Narrated by: Anne Brendle
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Editor reviews

Helen Marie Clarke taps into her family's collective memories to tell the story of her granduncle's famous saloon P. J. Clarke's, where celebrities like Richard Harris, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Jacqueline Kennedy rubbed shoulders with working-class patrons. Narrator Anne Brendle's organic performance makes great use of the clarity and warmth of her voice, and she does not resort to exaggerated tones when recounting the fascinating stories about the patrons that frequented the New York saloon.

More than just a bar history, Clarke's memoir is also the story of the Irish-American experience in New York, rendered with affection and nostalgia.

Summary

"We walked into P. J. Clarke's, I said, ‘Vinny, my usual.’ And he lined up six double vodkas." (Richard Harris)

How did a bar like P. J. Clarke’s saloon become the beloved watering hole for Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy, Rocky Marciano, and Buddy Holly (not to mention the fictional Don Draper)? And what was it about their bacon cheeseburger that caused Nat King Cole to pronounce it "the Cadillac of burgers"?

Established in 1884 and bought in l904 by Patrick "Paddy" Joseph Clarke, this Irish saloon in a beautiful Victorian building on the corner of Third Avenue and 55th Street has captivated generations of New Yorkers - from the working class to entertainers, athletes, business executives, and members of high society. Here, finally, is the story of this famed saloon. Learn more about the bar where:

  • Ernest Borgnine and Ethel Merman announced their impending nuptials to an astonished crowd
  • Johnny Mercer penned "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)" on a napkin while sitting at the bar
  • Frank Sinatra was the "owner" of table 20

Over P. J. Clarke’s Bar is at once a nostalgic look back at one of New York City’s most famous landmark saloons (in an age when they are quickly disappearing) and an eloquent memoir by the former owner’s grandniece, which details in sharp relief the excitement of days gone by - when as a young girl she entered through the "ladies" entrance and watched bartenders handing buckets of beer to thirsty customers on the sidewalk through the "to go" window.

©2012 Helen Marie Clarke (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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